RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Detection of Biomarkers for Prosthetic Infection Type - (DEBIT)

This study, called DEBIT, is looking for better ways to diagnose infections in artificial hip and knee joints. These infections can be tricky to find using current methods, but it's really important to spot them early to give patients the best chance of recovery. We are using advanced technology called 'nanopore sequencing' to examine samples from people having surgery to replace their artificial joint. We'll look for tiny signs (called biomarkers) in these samples – things like different types of germs or how the body's immune system is responding. The goal is to develop new, easier tests, possibly using blood or fluid samples, to quickly and accurately tell if an infection is present, which could lead to more effective treatments sooner.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

13 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2027

Prosthetic Joint Infection (PJI)

What is this study about?

When people have an artificial hip or knee joint, sometimes it can get infected. This is called a 'prosthetic joint infection' or PJI, and it's one of the main reasons why these joints sometimes need to be replaced again. It can be quite hard for doctors to tell the difference between an infection and other problems, like the joint simply wearing out, without doing more invasive tests.

This study aims to make it much easier and quicker to diagnose these infections. We are looking for new 'biomarkers' – these are like tiny clues in your body that can show if an infection is there. We're using a very clever new technology to study samples from patients who are having an operation to replace their artificial joint. By comparing samples from infected joints with those that aren't infected, we hope to find these important clues.

The researchers will be looking at tiny germs that might be present, as well as how your body's defence system (immune system) reacts. They'll examine tissue from around the joint, and also less invasive samples like joint fluid and blood. The main goal is to find new ways to spot these infections early on, which could help doctors decide on the best treatment much sooner, improve patient outcomes, and potentially reduce the need for strong antibiotics.

Key takeaways

The DEBIT study aims to find better ways to detect infections in artificial hips and knees.
It uses advanced technology to look for tiny clues (biomarkers) in patient samples.
Participation involves providing extra samples during your scheduled joint replacement surgery.
The goal is to develop quicker and more accurate tests for future patients, improving early diagnosis.
There are no direct medical benefits to you, but your contribution helps improve care for others.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over. You need to be planning to have surgery to replace an artificial hip or knee joint for any reason your medical team thinks is necessary. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

During your surgery, the medical team needs to be able to collect blood samples and several small pieces of tissue from around your artificial joint. In some cases, it might not be possible to collect fluid from your joint, but that's okay.

You cannot take part if you've already had an operation to replace the same artificial hip joint before. Also, you shouldn't have taken any antibiotics in the two weeks before your surgery, unless it was just the usual dose given during the operation. If your medical team feels there's another reason why the study isn't right for you, you won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for surgery to replace an artificial hip or knee joint?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?
Have you NOT had previous surgery to replace the same artificial hip implant?
Have you NOT taken antibiotics (except during your operation) in the last two weeks?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it mainly involves allowing your medical team to collect extra samples during your planned hip or knee replacement surgery. This means they will take some blood samples before your operation. During the surgery itself, they will collect several small pieces of tissue from around your artificial joint, and potentially some joint fluid, in addition to the samples they would normally take for your care. There are no additional visits to the hospital required specifically for this study beyond your standard surgical appointments. There are no new medications given as part of this research. After your surgery, there is no extra follow-up required for the study. Your involvement finishes once these samples are collected.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any additional medical procedures or changes to your planned surgery or treatment. The main benefit is that your contribution will help researchers develop better ways to diagnose infections in artificial joints for future patients, which could lead to earlier and more effective treatments. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part. The risks are very low; it mainly involves providing extra samples during a procedure you are already having. This should not add significant time or risk to your surgery. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (2)

Queen Alexandra Hospital
Verified postcode
Portsmouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Southampton General Hospital
Verified postcode
Southampton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is an artificial joint infection?

It's when bacteria or other germs get into an artificial hip or knee joint, causing problems that can make the joint painful or not work properly.

Why is it hard to diagnose these infections?

The symptoms can be similar to other problems, like the joint wearing out, making it tricky for doctors to tell if an infection is present without special tests.

What are 'biomarkers'?

Biomarkers are like tiny clues in your body – such as specific germs or how your immune system is reacting – that can show if an infection is present.

Will taking part change my surgery?

No, taking part in this study won't change your planned surgery or the treatment you receive. It only involves collecting extra samples during your operation.

Will I find out my personal results from the study?

This study is focused on research to develop new tests, so individual results from the research will not be shared with you. However, the overall findings will help future patients.

How to find out more

Samuel Robson

samuel.robson@port.ac.uk +442392848484 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.